Get Your French Quarter Fix: Body SymmetryMD 's Paleo King Cake

What started out roughly 300 years ago as a dry French bread-type dough with sugar on top and a mashed bean interior has now evolved into a sweet, sugary iced Danish-type of dough that's braided and finished off with a small plastic doll hidden on the inside... 

We're talking about King Cake, which is especially popular during the Mardi Gras season (hundreds of thousands of them are eaten somewhere around the French Quarter during this time every year)!

King Cakes today are commonly made of a cinnamon-filled dough in the shape of a hollow circle. 

They're also adorned with a colorful glazed topping and sprinkled with colored sugar.

The cake often has a small plastic baby (said to represent Baby Jesus) inside, or underneath; and the person who incidentally gets the piece of cake with the toy trinket also supposedly receives several special privileges and/or obligations (depending on which legend you've heard).

As a special privilege to all you waistline watchers out there, our Body SymmetryMD wellness squad has a Paleo version of King Cake (with natural coloring from kale, tumeric & berries too!) you can enjoy at home...without all the guilt. Try baking up this decadent dessert as part of your N'arlins celebrations today:

Paleo King Cake

Ingredients

- Classic Vanilla Coconut Flour Paleo Cake (click here for the full recipe we used)
- Cashew Glaze (click here for the full recipe)
- 1½ cups shredded dried coconut
- 1 handful fresh kale
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- frozen berries (we used 3 blueberries and 1 blackberry)

Directions
After making the cake and glaze, divide the coconut into three bowls.

FOR THE GREEN: Add kale and ½ cup water to a high speed blender and blend until smooth. Strain through a nut milk bag, coffee filter or layered cheese cloth. Add strained kale juice 1 teaspoon at a time until the coconut is colored but not too wet.

FOR THE YELLOW: Add turmeric ½ teaspoon at a time until the coconut is colored. If using unsweetened coconut, you may have to lightly wet the coconut with water before adding turmeric.

FOR THE PURPLE: Microwave mixed berries for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Mash with a fork and add juice 1 teaspoon at a time until coconut is colored.

Sprinkle on cake, slice, serve and enjoy eating Paleo -friendly this Mardi Gras!

For more great health tips or to learn about our medically supervised weight loss programs and services CLICK HERE.

Here's to gettin' your French Quarter fix in a healthful way!
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad

References:

http://ourfourforks.com/paleo-king-cake-natural-food-coloring/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_cake

Berried Treasure: Paleo Blueberry, Cranberry & Cucumber Quinoa Salad

Although quinoa breaks from "strict Paleo," this staple food (which is technically a seed) of the Incas contains more protein than rice or wheat... and some Paleo dieters actually include it in their eating regimens as a grain alternative.

Here's how you can benefit from the rainbow of colors on your plate with this dish-- Blueberries are always packed with antioxidants and fiber, cranberries are also loaded with fiber as well as vitamin C and the cucumber bits can help keep you hydrated. You’ll also get some essential vitamins and minerals from that delicious spinach.

So what are you waiting for?! Our Body SymmetryMD wellness squad dares you to try this yummy recipe for lunch or dinner this week:

Paleo Blueberry & Cucumber Quinoa Salad

Ingredients
- ½ cup cooked quinoa, chilled
- ¼ cup fresh blueberries
- ¼ cup (no sugar added) dried cranberries
- ¼ cup fresh mango, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- juice of one lemon
- salt and pepper (optional)

Directions
1. In one large bowl, combine the quinoa, cucumber, lemon juice and salt and pepper.
2. On a plate, arranged the fresh spinach leaves, quinoa mixture and top with fresh blueberries, mango & cranberries
3. Serve with grilled chicken or lean fish for complete meal an enjoy eating Paleo -friendly!

Nutritional Info
Calories per serving: 327
Protein: 5.5g
Total Fat: 33.9g
Carbohydrates: 23.4g

To learn more about trimming that tummy effectively and keeping the weight off for good CLICK HERE to visit our web site now. 

Here's to eating healthfully with this "berried" treasure!

--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad

References: 
http://www.livestrong.com/article/394705-is-quinoa-allowed-on-a-paleo-diet/
http://thepaleodiet.com/fruits-and-sugars/
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/cranberries-year-round-superfood

The Hungarian Games: Paleo Beef Goulash

Goulash is a Hungarian dish using beef and paprika as its main ingredients (in fact it’s also known by some as Paprikash). 

This savory, Paleo -friendly dish from your Body SymmetryMD wellness squad is sure to become a favorite for you & your family (even if you're not watching your waistline)! 

Paleo Hungarian Beef Goulash

Ingredients

- 2 lbs. stewing beef (chuck), cut into 1 ½ cubes
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14-16 oz) organic diced tomatoes
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp. paprika
- 2 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- ¼ tsp. dried thyme

Directions:
1. Brown meat on all sides in hot oil using a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add onion, garlic, tomatoes, water, paprika, salt, pepper &
    thyme. Cover and simmer 1 ½ hrs, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes 
    or until meat is tender, stirring frequently.
4. Cool down, serve and enjoy! Makes 8 servings.

Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 229
Protein: 23g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Dietary fiber: 1g

To learn more about slimming down successfully at Body SymmetryMD with our weight loss products and/or services CLICK HERE to visit our web site now.

Here's to a skinnier, sexier YOU!

--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad

Pa-lee-Olé! Body SymmetryMD 's Paleo Chicken Tortilla Soup

Being on a prescription hCG or other medically supervised weight loss program doesn't have to mean your eating regimen has to be bland, bitter-tasting or just plain blah.

You can actually create quite a healthful (and low calorie!) fiesta in the comfort of your own home while sticking to your diet. Don't believe it? Taste it for yourself...

Check out this great new Paleo -friendly recipe from our Body SymmetryMD wellness squad!

Paleo Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, skin removed and cut into ½ inch strips
- 1 28 oz. can of organic diced tomatoes
- 32 oz. of organic low sodium chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 jalapenos, diced (with seeds removed)
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 2 cups chopped celery.
- 1 bunch of cilantro, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 to 2 cups of water
- 2 or 3 wedges of lime (optional)
- dash of olive oil
- sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Instructions
1. In a crockpot or large dutch oven over med-high heat, place a dash of olive oil and about ¼ cup chicken broth. 
2. Add onions, garlic, jalapeno, sea salt & pepper and cook until soft, adding more broth as needed.

3. Add all remaining ingredients and enough water to fill the top of your pot. 
4. Cover and cook on low for about 2 hours, adjusting salt and pepper seasoning as needed.
5. Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it into small pieces by using the back of a wooden spoon and pressing the cooked chicken against the side of the pot (you can also use a fork or tongs to break the chicken apart and into shreds you'd like).
6. Squeeze fresh lime (if desired), add a few sprigs of cilantro, serve and enjoy eating Paleo -friendly (makes 2 servings)!

Nutritional Info
Calories per serving: 230 
Protein: 31.6g
Total Fat: 7.5g
Total Carbohydrates: 8.3g
Dietary Fiber: 1.8g
Sugar: 4.3g

To learn more about trimming down and toning up effectively while keeping the weight off for good, CLICK HERE to visit our web site now.

Here's to a flavorful, low fat fiesta without the guilt!
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too ( Paleo Tuna Fish Cakes, That is!)

At Body SymmetryMD we know how difficult it can be to make wise food decisions when we're pressed for time (or just plain hungry for something right this second).

These delicious Paleo Tuna Fish cakes are full of zest flavor and ready in only 15 minutes!

Paleo Fish Cakes

Ingredients

- 5oz can of low sodium solid white albacore tuna in water, drained

- 2 sliced green onions

- 3 egg whites

- 1 tbsp coconut flour

- 1/4 tsp chili powder

- 1/4 tsp paprika

- 1/8 tsp sea salt

- 1 tbsp lime juice

- 2 tsp coconut oil

- 2 tbsp chunky salsa

- 1/4 avocado (optional)
- 4 to 5 shakes of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients except coconut oil, salsa and avocado in a medium-sized bowl. Let sit 2 to 3 minutes so the coconut flour absorbs the moisture of the egg whites and lime juice.

2. Heat a nonstick pan or electric griddle to medium-high heat or 350°F.

3. Divide and shape mixture into 2 fish cakes.

4. Heat coconut oil in the pan and cook cakes about 4 to 5 minutes, then flip. The bottom of the cakes should be a nice golden brown.

5. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. 
6. When cooked, top fish cakes with salsa and avocado (if desired).
7. Serve both fish cakes with a side salad and your favorite Paleo -friendly dressing (recipe makes one serving).

Nutritional Info
Calories: 350
Protein: 50g
Total Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 3g

For information about our Body SymmetryMD weight loss products & services CLICK HERE to visit our web site or schedule your FREE CONSULTATION now at: (844) 277-2444.

Here's to having your 'cake' and eating it too!
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad

To Kale With It: 7 Secrets to Know for Effective Weight Loss Results

At Body SymmetryMD
we know how difficult it can be to stick to your New Year resolution of losing those love handles (whch magically appeared after the holidays).

But just like any other challenge we may face in life, taking baby steps in the right direction can lead to big changes over time. Here are 7 secrets for effective weight loss results that can help you move closer to your goal(s):

1. Kale is key for keeping that figure.
Whether it's a prescription hCG program, a Paleo diet or a juice fast... kale is usually allowed on just about any weight management regimen. It's not only rich in iron, high in potassium and jam-packed with Vitamin C... it's low in calorie and can really aid in weight loss because of its dense vegetable protein & fiber contents.

2. Green tea is great for your waistline.
Having trouble kicking that sweet tea habit? Here's a great substitute to try. This antioxidant-rich beverage can help you manage your weight over time and here's how: Sipping on 1-2 cups of this stuff in place of soda can even save you 50,000 calories over the next year (teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikinis, here we come)!

3. Infused water is H2-oh-so-good.
Yes, juices and carbonated drinks and other quenching libations can be refreshing, but so can water (especially when you spruce it up). To jazz up your h2O without adding in extra calories, try infusing your next pitcher with fresh mint leaves, tangy lemon wedges or crisp cucumber slices. Gulping down infused water can help rev up your metabolism, which in turn, means you'll be burning more calories throughout the day too!

4. Cinnamon is a sinless way to sweeten up your food.
It's a spice you can sprinkle into your drinks and foods without adding on extra calories... and something cool you may not know about this brownish powdery stuff is that it can actually delay the passing of food from your stomach into your intestine, causing you to feel fuller longer. When you feel full, you of course, will eat less, which can ultimately help you get steps closer to achieving that weight loss goal of yours. Sounds sweet enough, doesn't it?!

5. Don't be foolish, fill up on fiber.
Although dietary fiber isn't a weight loss cure in itself, it does have the power to fill you up with out packing you full of unwanted carbs, fats or calories. So which foods are chock full o' fiber? Try your hand at fresh veggies like kale, peas, broccoli and even turnip greens.

6. Bowel movements are a must.
For some people this may be an odd topic of conversation... but when it comes to seeing significant changes on the scale, it's important we discuss this matter. Although there is no exact definition of just how frequently we should go, it's important to take note if you don't have at least 3 bowel movements in a week. The fewer times you go during the week, the less frequently your body can rid itself of the gunk your body doesn't need... which can eventually stall your weight loss results over time.

7. Savor your snack time in between meals.
Snacking in between meals doesn't have to be revered as such a bad thing. In fact, having a small portion of something healthful in between your meals can keep your metabolism humming along efficiently so it continues burning calories all day long. The key to getting the most benefits from what you munch on, however, is to nosh on foods with nutritional value (so just say no to vending machine goodies or your coworker's candy jar)!

For more great information about managing your weight effectively or for details about our medically supervised body sculpting solutions CLICK HERE to visit our web site.

Here's to keeping secrets... and keeping a smaller waistline too!
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad



References:
http://bembu.com/kale-benefits
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-of-green-tea
http://www.fruitinfusedwaters.com/infused-water-for-weight-loss/
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/how-a-scoop-of-cinnamon-a-day-can-help-you-lose-weight.html#b
http://www.webmd.com/diet/fiber-health-benefits-11/fiber-weight-control
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948
http://www.livestrong.com/article/305679-bowel-movement-weight-loss/
http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-recipes/17-snacks-power-weight-loss

Alternatives Rock! 5 Healthful Substitutes for Foods We Shouldn't (but want to) Eat

You've may have heard of the Eat This, Not That book series... 

but just how much of the information in those publications can be trusted (I mean, is it really okay to have Burger King as long as you order a Bacon Double Cheeseburger instead of a Double Whopper with Cheese?)!?

At Body SymmetryMD our wellness squad prefers the type of food alternatives (to the bad stuff) that actually taste like the real thing, but have way more nutritional value (such as sushi rolled with barley instead of white rice).

With that being said, here are our top 5 favorite substitutes for foods we shouldn't eat but can... when they're fixed in a more healthful way, that is!

1. Chopped cauliflower instead of MASHED POTATOES.
Throw your cauliflower florets in your food processor then cook the contents with some low-sodium chicken broth and sprinkle with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter sprinkles. Serve next to your favorite cut of grass-fed steak and wa-lah. It's just like having "meat n' potatoes." In the form of a much cleaner meal!

2. Shredded zucchini squash instead of PASTA.
Forget all those enriched pastas and with the empty calories and excessive carb counts. Now you can turn veggies like zucchini squash into "spaghetti" using kitchen tools like the Veggetti. No one will have to remind you to eat your veggies ever again!

3. Bragg Liquid Aminos instead of SOY SAUCE.
One of the easiest ways you can stall your weight loss (or just retain water) is to be oblivious to your daily sodium intake. Not pro at reading nutrition labels? No worries. Just swap out your soy sauce or some Bragg Liquid Aminos. Your waistline will thank you, and your palate will never know the difference!

4. Pureed white beans instead of FLOUR or CORN STARCH.
Trying to cut GMO products out of your diet entirely? Don't forget to eliminate cooking ingredients or thickeners like flour and corn starch too then. The next time you need to thicken your soup or sauce recipe, try pureeing a can of organic white beans and adding it little by little to your mix instead of the powdery stuff!

5. Frozen Light Whipped Topping instead of ICE CREAM.
We all scream for... frozen light whipped topping! If you haven't tried this as an alternative to a pint of Ben & Jerry's, today is probably the best time to do so. Look for this low-calorie stuff in the freezer section of your local grocery store, and top with fresh fruit and chopped nuts to jazz it up before you chow down!

Finding a much more nutritious alternative to the foods that make us fat (but we love anyway, nonetheless) can be a great step toward achieving better weight management and having a much healthier lifestyle.

For information about medical weight loss solutions & services from Body SymmetryMD that can also aid in a slimmer you, CLICK HERE.

Here's to healthful alternatives that rock!
--Your Body SymmetryMD Wellness Squad